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Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

PDA

14 replies

sbm78 · 06/02/2015 12:08

Hi, I've been through all the channels with my DS trying to get the right help. We are currently seeing CAMHS again. They did an observation in school and said that he has some ASD traits but not all....

I've just seen someone mention PDA on another threat. I had not heard of this before but after reading some pages on the internet I'm starting to think that this might be what my DS has.

The things that really hit home are:

Being in control - this was mentioned by the school at our last TAC meeting

Obsessively resisting ordinary demands - Our day is full of hurdles, whether it be to to get dressed, brush teeth, put shoes on....everything we ask him to do is a fight. He often will fall to the floor saying his leg hurts too much that he can't get dressed. We have a timer/schedule at home, none of this seems to be working. School report the same issues. He's defiant. and will only do things when he wants to do them

Excessive mood swings, often switching suddenly - Yep he can be ok 1 minute and then next he is angry

Obsessive behaviour focusing on people - He becomes obsessed with school friends, often calling them his best friends. But the children become so fed up with him as he won't leave them alone

Language delay - he has moderate to severe language disorder

Anxiety - he struggles with anxiety. He listens for news stories and elaborates and exaggerates them. He will not let a story go until he knows the ins and outs of the whole thing

Lack of boundaries - He doesn't understand boundaries and even if he knows there is one in place he will not follow to it. He runs across roads without looking like the cars will just stop for him.

Problems controlling his temper - tantrums and violet outbursts to children and adults.

Do any of you have a child with PDA.... is there anything else that they do that I haven't mentioned above? I really want to take this to CAMHS but surely they would have picked it up already?

Can anyone help?

Thank you

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sbm78 · 06/02/2015 12:31

I forgot to add.... .there are some days (not many) where he will do things when asked but usually with an incentive of some kind

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Upandatem · 06/02/2015 14:54

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

senvet · 06/02/2015 16:30

I have seen PDA explained as 'like panic attacks when a demand is made'. This was to try and get mainstream folk to understand it - obviously sometimes it might be mini-panick-attacks.

So creeping up to the 'demand' and making it seem like it isn't a demand at all merely a way to get an incentive is recommended.

But then aggressive or obstructive behaviour is quite often a response to unmet SEN (and so is depression).

It looks like there may be a fair amount to untangle, and once you have a good idea of what is going on then you can get cracking on the unmet needs.

Good Luck

PolterGoose · 06/02/2015 18:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Jacksterbear · 07/02/2015 10:34

Hi. I have an 8yo DS dxed with PDA. It is dxed as ASD as the primary condition, with a profile best described as PDA syndrome. He was dxed at the Elizabeth Newson Centre and the dx was subsequently accepted by the NHS paed.

This series of YouTube videos is a really good starting point for finding out more - they explain the diagnostic criteria and give techniques for management.

There is also the Phil Christie book on PDA here; and this new book from the point of view of an 11yo girl with PDA. Both very good. And as polter has already mentioned, Ross Greene's "The Explosive Child".

sbm78 · 09/02/2015 09:53

Hi, thanks all for your advise, I will take a look at books and youtube.

He is 9yo. WE are going through a terrible time at school, we moved school because the last one were excluding him alot. This school are really good with him and have all the things in place that I can see need to be. He is in class in the morning and then in the afternoon he spends doing emotional and social work with the SENCO

He is extremely defiant at school and very angry. He does not like boundaries at all. Everyone is trying there best to help.

Thanks All x

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1805 · 09/02/2015 20:39

Oooooo - I feel your pain.
It.Is.Exhausting.

dd (9) has dx of ASD and thats the end of it where we are. I have tried talking to CAMHS about pda but they just said it was mainly used in America and it all falls under ASD anyway.

dd behaves at school so school is not very supportive and I'm sure they think I'm just a neurotic mother.

dd is in her bedroom now not-going-to-bed. Last night she slept on the floor, and will probably do so again tonight by the way things are going at the moment. I have become much better at remaining calm and phrasing requests differently during the past year or so.

Yes to Explosive Child book - another fan here. Other than that I can't help much other than to say we're here to moan at if you need to, and I promise I won't say things like "Have you tried a sticker chart?" or "how about a bath at night to calm him down before bed?". I really hate other people telling me what is 'bound' to work.
CakeWineBrewWine

sbm78 · 10/02/2015 11:17

Thanks 1805. It's good to know that I'm not the only one. I too have learned to be calm, people have said to me "you have the patience of a saint" Yep I do because I have too.

You saying about bath times, I HATE bath times. I have to get the water just right (luke warm) for him to get in. Then when he's in I can't get him to do what he needs too, washing his hair takes forever and then when it's time to get out...... HARD WORK! It has been known to take an hour.
I've started only bathing 2/3 times a week now, reducing the stress levels no end. Doing 1 at swimming where he can have a shower and seems to do what is needed! and then 1 at the weekend where we have more time.

Don't even talk to me about brushing his teeth.... lol

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sbm78 · 10/02/2015 11:17

ps I've just purchased explosive child :-)

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1805 · 10/02/2015 15:38

OMG - teeth brushing (or not!!!!!!!!).

I am afraid I am lucky if dd has 1 bath a week. teeth brushed maybe once or poss twice a week. Clothes clean or dirty so long as she wears something.

Very low standards I know, but it is all I can manage.

Good luck. Keep Calm and take deep breathes!!

Jacksterbear · 11/02/2015 09:12

If you haven't already, it's worth reading up about sensory processing issues too, re the bath/hair washing/tooth brushing etc issues! (I have 2 DC with sensory issues - DS has a separate SPD dx - we only manage hairwashes every other week around here Blush).

sbm78 · 12/02/2015 11:12

although I am glad I'm not the only person dealing with this I'm feel sorry for you both.
Stay strong 1805 and Jacksterbear
I will read up on sensory issues. Thanks Jacksterbear

x

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1805 · 12/02/2015 18:22

I have just found out I'm going to receive a personalised individual course - at my house in the evenings - about "challenging behaviour - tailored to my individual needs"!!!!!! Whoop whoop!!!

Now THAT is good service! I am so pleased!
I take back everything negative I have ever said about CAHMS!!!!!

sbm78 · 19/02/2015 12:55

Oh wow! that is amazing. I hope that is something they offer me.
Congrats.
Let me know how it goes.

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